Trade Policy Day 2026

• Date: 14/10/2026, 09:00-17:30
• Location: Hybrid – in the Alcide de Gasperi room, Charlemagne Building, European Commission; and online 

Why should I attend Trade Policy Day?

In recent years, international trade has been shaken by conflict, the Covid-19 pandemic, economic coercion, rising overcapacity, unilateral tariffs, and the weakening of multilateral rules. As the world's largest trading bloc, the EU faces a dual challenge: that of strengthening its own resilience and competitiveness, while also supporting a rules-based global trading system adapted to new geopolitical realities. 

Join us for the 2026 edition of Trade Policy Day to discuss how trade policy can help promote stability, resilience and growth in an uncertain world, balance strategic openness with greater autonomy, and keep EU industry competitive while avoiding protectionism.  

What topics will be discussed?

This year, discussions will focus on: 

• Leveraging the EU's network of trade agreements;
• Improving the EU's economic security;
• Boosting the EU's strategic autonomy, and;
• Promoting stability in the multilateral trading system, as well as;
• How companies can benefit from EU trade agreements, and;
• How stakeholders perceive the benefits of EU trade policy on the ground. 

How do I register for the event?

Registration details will follow nearer the date of the event.

Programme

08:00-09:00 | Registration

09:00-09:15 | Welcome 

• By moderator – Chad P. Bown, host of the Trade Talks podcast

09:15-10:00 | Keynote

• Ditte Juul-Jørgensen, Director-General, DG Trade and Economic Security, European Commission

10:00-10:30 | Break

10:30-12:15 | Panel 1: Leading world trade from instability to resilience

12:15-13:45 | Networking Lunch

13:45-15:00 | Panel 2: Strengthening economic security: trade policy and beyond

15:00-15:30 | EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič: What motivates the EU on trade?

15:30-15:35 | Plenary closing

15:35-16:00 | Break

16:00-17:30 | Trade policy in practice

• Breakout session 1 (in the Lord Jenkins room): 
  An FTA masterclass: leveraging trade agreements effectively
   
• Breakout session 2 (in the Sicco Mansholt room): 
  What's the EU's trade policy ever done for me? Real voices, real impact  

17:30 | End of Programme

Access details

This is a hybrid meeting. We would be grateful if participants could arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. There will be a welcome desk in the security screening area of the Charlemagne building where IDs will be checked for security clearance and identification badges will be handed out. Please bring with you the confirmation of your V-pass and an ID card or passport.

The web-streaming link and access code will be sent to registered participants.